Helm Crag

Infobox Mountain
Name = Helm Crag
Photo = Helm_Crag_from_Gibson_Knott.jpg
Caption = Looking to Helm Crag from Gibson Knott
Elevation = 405 m (1,329 ft)
Location = Cumbria, ENG
Range = Lake District, Central Fells
Prominence = "c." 60 m
Parent peak = High Raise
Coordinates =
Topographic
OS "Explorer" OL5, OL7
Grid_ref_UK = NY327094
Listing = Wainwright
Translation =
Language =
Pronunciation =

Helm Crag is a fell in the English Lake District situated in the Central Fells to the north of Grasmere. Despite its low height it sits prominently at the end of a ridge, easily seen from the village. This, combined with the distinctive summit rocks which provide the alternative name 'The Lion and the Lamb', makes it one of the most recognised hills in the District.

Alfred Wainwright wrote of Helm Crag that "The virtues of Helm Crag have not been lauded enough. It gives an exhilarating little climb, a brief essay in real mountaineering, and, in a region where all is beautiful, it makes a notable contribution to the natural charms and attractions of Grasmere." [A. Wainwright, "A Pictorial Guide to the Lake Fells, Book 3, The Central Fells", (London: Frances Lincoln, 2003), Helm Crag p.2 ISBN 0-7112-2456-0]

Topography

A rocky ridge curves east and then south east from Calf Crag, passing over Gibson Knott and the depression of Bracken Hause, before ending at Helm Crag where it falls steeply on all sides. To the north and east of the ridge is the Greenburn valley, which joins the Rothay at Helm Side. To the west and south is Easedale Beck, which is also a feeder of the Rothay, the watersmeet being just north of Grasmere village. Helm Crag is generally rough, with particular features being High and Low Raven Crags on the eastern side and White Crag on the southern extremity.

Geology

The geology of the fell is complex, but the summit is in an area of outcropping andesite sill.British Geological Survey: 1:50,000 series maps, "England & Wales Sheet 38": BGS (1999)] There is no history of mining

ummit and view

The summit is unusual, having two short parallel ridges running north west to south east with a hollow in between, the western ridge being the higher. Some distance below the eastern ridge the scene is repeated as, still keeping parallel, a third ridge, ditch and parapet are crossed before the crags are reached. The whole complex initially appears man-made, but is entirely natural. The summit commands views of the Langdale Pikes, Coniston Fells and Eastern Fells.cite book |author=Wainwright, A |title= A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book 3 The Central Fells |publisher= Westmorland Gazette |year= 1958] Mark Richards: "The Central Fells": Collins (2003): ISBN 0-00-711365-X]

The Lion and the Lamb

At either end of the highest ridge are the rock outcrops that ensure Helm Crag's fame. Only one can be seen from any point in the surrounding valleys, and they have a variety of names depending upon the profile seen from the particular vantage point. The northwestern outcrop is the true summit of the fell, a tricky little scramble being needed to stand on the top. It is variously called 'The old lady playing the organ' when seen from Mill Gill, 'The howitzer' from the summit of Dunmail Raise and 'The lion and the lamb' or 'The lion couchant' from a point in between. The southern outcrop is prominent from Grasmere and this is the traditional 'Lion and the lamb'.

Ascents

Helm Crag is normally ascended from Grasmere, though can also be approached from either valley via Bracken Hause, or along the ridge from Gibson Knott.

References